Officers
monica and roman krawczyk
co-Presidents
Monica and Roman Krawczyk believed it was destiny almost 24 years ago when their paths crossed with Splashes of Hope’s Founder, Heather Buggee. They watched Heather on the local news describing the mission that is Splashes of Hope. As a result, Monica and Roman invited Heather into their company's facility to give space for the organization to run its operations. The Krawczyks absolutely fell in love with Splashes of Hope’s mission. With Heather’s undeniable talent of creating transformative murals for healthcare centers, they have seen the compassion to ease the pain of those who need it the most, one of the main focuses being the ailing of children through artwork.
Throughout the years, the Krawczyks have continuously volunteered, dedicated resources, and assisted Splashes of Hope in many capacities to fulfill Heather's dream, as well as to drive the organization’s mission forward. Since then, Splashes of Hope has always been a significant part of their family life. They are happy and fortunate to have encouraged their parents, children, and many friends to become involved with the organization. In the summer of 2020, the Krawczyks were elected Co-Presidents by the Board of Directors to lead the Splashes of Hope into the future.
Monica is a secondary teacher, educating students for the last 14 years at West Islip School District in West Islip, NY.
Roman is an entrepreneur and the owner of Point 2 Point Communications, a fiber optics and communications company. He is an electrical engineer, graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.
They have two children, Nicole and James.
Throughout the years, the Krawczyks have continuously volunteered, dedicated resources, and assisted Splashes of Hope in many capacities to fulfill Heather's dream, as well as to drive the organization’s mission forward. Since then, Splashes of Hope has always been a significant part of their family life. They are happy and fortunate to have encouraged their parents, children, and many friends to become involved with the organization. In the summer of 2020, the Krawczyks were elected Co-Presidents by the Board of Directors to lead the Splashes of Hope into the future.
Monica is a secondary teacher, educating students for the last 14 years at West Islip School District in West Islip, NY.
Roman is an entrepreneur and the owner of Point 2 Point Communications, a fiber optics and communications company. He is an electrical engineer, graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.
They have two children, Nicole and James.
Tom Chang
Vice President
Tom Chang has over 20 years in the high tech software industry. Tom has worked at Salesforce for the past 10 years as a Master Solution Engineer he focuses on working with large Enterprise customers to identify the best solutions to help them transform their business. Tom has volunteered with Splashes of Hope over the past decade and previously served on the Advisory Board.
Christopher fasano, cpa
co-treasurer
Christopher Fasano, CPA, is a Senior Manager at EisnerAmper LLP with more than ten years of public accounting experience. Chris spends a significant amount of time providing accounting, advisory, and tax services to organizations and businesses across a variety of industries. In the past, he has served as a mentor to entrepreneurs participating in Startup Weekend Long Island and was previously the Treasurer of the LiiNCS Organization, a Long Island 501(c)(3) devoted to helping young professionals enhance their careers and communities.
Jennifer La Rosa
Co-Treasurer
Co-Treasurer
Patricia Rossi, Esq.
Secretary |
Board of Trustees
Steven stark
Mr. Stark is a sales and marketing consultant who is passionate about brand building for companies that want to stress the "why to buy" for their organization. He believes that custom codifying the marketing process will stretch your brand to amazing through transparency and measurable goals. Mr. Stark has a deep understanding of the customer behavior and driven by "wants" and how to build your plan to gain acceptance and not be ignored. Mr. Stark believes that your code of ethics is the cornerstone of the brand. Strong brands provide a sense of wellness and a healthy environment to encourage positive employee engagement. He is dedicated to giving to those in need through proper support. I am a leader who is passionate about exceeding goals and inspiring employees to achieve their own objectives based on the vision of the organization. Experienced in instituting successful sales plans from the custom designed marketing assets to enhance the brand. Steven Stark has over 35 years’ experience in Sales and Marketing, including 18 years at Sony Corporation . Steven holds relationships across a myriad of businesses, outsource PR, media, distributors, and retail entities.
Steven has successfully built a computer peripheral manufacturing company from the ground-up. Micro Advantage sales grew from start up to $25 million in less than 3 years. Consultant to tier 1 manufacturing such as Hisense, Samsung, Toshiba, Haier and Sharp.
Experienced in working with new divisions, startups, and SME businesses. Founding member of ACX Foundation that brings help to those who cannot help themselves. 100% of every dollar goes to the project.
Steven has successfully built a computer peripheral manufacturing company from the ground-up. Micro Advantage sales grew from start up to $25 million in less than 3 years. Consultant to tier 1 manufacturing such as Hisense, Samsung, Toshiba, Haier and Sharp.
Experienced in working with new divisions, startups, and SME businesses. Founding member of ACX Foundation that brings help to those who cannot help themselves. 100% of every dollar goes to the project.
christina zanca
Christina Zanca, CFMP is a seasoned marketing professional with long-time experience in the banking industry. She currently serves as Vice President and Director of Marketing for Maspeth Federal Savings in Queens, where she leads the strategy and operations of the Marketing function. Christina is a member of the Bank’s Executive Management team and ALCO committee and serves as a liaison between the Bank and the Community; managing the philanthropic efforts and charitable giving programs for the Bank.
She started her career at Ridgewood Savings Bank in 2004, while attending St. John’s University. There she worked briefly for the Bank’s Mortgage Department before transitioning to the Marketing Department in 2005. During her seven-year career with RSB, she honed her Marketing skills and worked on several successful Marketing and Sales campaigns – all while continuing her education as a full-time student. After leaving RSB in 2011, she spent three years as AVP and Marketing Manager at Hudson Valley Bank in Westchester. Her time there was focused on building the social media and digital marketing strategy from the ground-up along with crafting campaigns to build the Bank’s mortgage business. In 2014, Christina moved on to JPMorgan Chase in Midtown. In her role there she worked on the Global Recruitment Marketing team where she was responsible for branding and creative marketing campaigns, content development and experiential programs.
Christina holds an Executive MBA in Management from Pace University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from St. John’s University. In 2017, she graduated from the American Bankers Association Bank School of Marketing and earned her CFMP certification. She continues to attend industry leading conferences and network with industry professionals.
In her spare time, Christina enjoys spending time with family and friends, is an avid reader and enjoys yoga and DIY projects. She is member of the Barnum Woods PTA and enjoys giving back to her community. She lives in East Meadow with her husband and daughter.
She started her career at Ridgewood Savings Bank in 2004, while attending St. John’s University. There she worked briefly for the Bank’s Mortgage Department before transitioning to the Marketing Department in 2005. During her seven-year career with RSB, she honed her Marketing skills and worked on several successful Marketing and Sales campaigns – all while continuing her education as a full-time student. After leaving RSB in 2011, she spent three years as AVP and Marketing Manager at Hudson Valley Bank in Westchester. Her time there was focused on building the social media and digital marketing strategy from the ground-up along with crafting campaigns to build the Bank’s mortgage business. In 2014, Christina moved on to JPMorgan Chase in Midtown. In her role there she worked on the Global Recruitment Marketing team where she was responsible for branding and creative marketing campaigns, content development and experiential programs.
Christina holds an Executive MBA in Management from Pace University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from St. John’s University. In 2017, she graduated from the American Bankers Association Bank School of Marketing and earned her CFMP certification. She continues to attend industry leading conferences and network with industry professionals.
In her spare time, Christina enjoys spending time with family and friends, is an avid reader and enjoys yoga and DIY projects. She is member of the Barnum Woods PTA and enjoys giving back to her community. She lives in East Meadow with her husband and daughter.
JOHN SANCHEZ
Emeritus - Theresa Patnode Santmann
Theresa Patnode Santmann started life in humble surroundings, growing up on a farm in upstate New York. She began her professional career as a registered nurse, and through hard work and determination, Santmann became a highly successful entrepreneur, inventor and business woman. She was the founder and executive director of two nursing homes in Suffolk County, Little Flower Nursing and rehabilitation in East Islip and Petite Fleur Nursing Home in Sayville. Additionally she created “In Katie’s Care”, a respite center, named for her granddaughter, for the Suffolk County Girl Scouts Council.
Philanthropically, the personal commitment and generosity of Theresa Santmann has reverberated throughout Long Island including a $ 1, 000,000 gifts in support of Winthrop University Hospital’s innovative research program. This contribution is aimed at finding the cause and a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) know as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Santmann’s interest in research resulted when her late husband, John, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 30 and succumbed to the illness 18 years later.
In the year of 2011 President Keen of Farmingdale College announced the largest single gift in the history of the college, $ 1,000,000 donated by Theresa Patnode Santmann. The gift is creating four scholarships spread over the program in nursing, bioscience, dental hygiene and medical technology and will also support faculty research and the enhancing of student research.Theresa Santmann is also active in her community, having served as president of the Babylon village School Board, president of the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce and president of the Babylon Village Youth Project. Currently she serves as vice president of Splashes of Hope.
Over the years Theresa Santmann has received many awards for her humanitarian efforts. In 1998, she was an honoree for the March of Dimes Woman of Distinction. In 1999, she received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and a distinguished Citizen award from Dowling College. Having bee named one of Long Island’s top 50 women three times, she was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” by Long Island Business News. In 2006 she was honored by the Suffolk County Clerk and the law firm Siben and Siben at a fund raiser to benefit Hospice Care Network.
Theresa Santmann’s accomplishments are multiple and diverse, including a published autobiography entitled, In Gratitude to My Guardian Angel. In 1993, in an effort to make the patients in her nursing homes more comfortable she developed a walker with a folding, pivoting seat and harness, for which she holds a patent.
From 1998 to 2011 she sponsored 37 students in order for them to attend St. Lukes School in the Bronx.
Philanthropically, the personal commitment and generosity of Theresa Santmann has reverberated throughout Long Island including a $ 1, 000,000 gifts in support of Winthrop University Hospital’s innovative research program. This contribution is aimed at finding the cause and a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) know as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Santmann’s interest in research resulted when her late husband, John, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 30 and succumbed to the illness 18 years later.
In the year of 2011 President Keen of Farmingdale College announced the largest single gift in the history of the college, $ 1,000,000 donated by Theresa Patnode Santmann. The gift is creating four scholarships spread over the program in nursing, bioscience, dental hygiene and medical technology and will also support faculty research and the enhancing of student research.Theresa Santmann is also active in her community, having served as president of the Babylon village School Board, president of the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce and president of the Babylon Village Youth Project. Currently she serves as vice president of Splashes of Hope.
Over the years Theresa Santmann has received many awards for her humanitarian efforts. In 1998, she was an honoree for the March of Dimes Woman of Distinction. In 1999, she received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and a distinguished Citizen award from Dowling College. Having bee named one of Long Island’s top 50 women three times, she was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” by Long Island Business News. In 2006 she was honored by the Suffolk County Clerk and the law firm Siben and Siben at a fund raiser to benefit Hospice Care Network.
Theresa Santmann’s accomplishments are multiple and diverse, including a published autobiography entitled, In Gratitude to My Guardian Angel. In 1993, in an effort to make the patients in her nursing homes more comfortable she developed a walker with a folding, pivoting seat and harness, for which she holds a patent.
From 1998 to 2011 she sponsored 37 students in order for them to attend St. Lukes School in the Bronx.
advisory committee bios
catherine and russ brown
Catherine holds degrees in Fine Arts and Advertising Design from Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island. Her husband Russ, former owner of Brown Builder's Supply in New Hyde Park, NY, has a liberal arts degree from Hollywood College in Hollywood, Florida.
They had the good fortune of meeting Heather Buggee at Coindre Hall in 2006, where their youngest daughter was celebrating her wedding. They have been Splashes of Hope supporters and volunteers since then!
Catherine is also an honorary board member at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, NY, where she previously served as Board Chair, and in other board capacities. She has been a Make-A-Wish volunteer for over 30 years. In addition, she served on the board of Newborns in Need, a Huntington based charity which provided essentials to neonatals.
Although Catherine and Russ moved to Naples, Florida in 2013, they remain active Splash volunteers and have spearheaded the growth of Splashes of Hope in Florida, both sponsoring and painting on local projects.
They had the good fortune of meeting Heather Buggee at Coindre Hall in 2006, where their youngest daughter was celebrating her wedding. They have been Splashes of Hope supporters and volunteers since then!
Catherine is also an honorary board member at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, NY, where she previously served as Board Chair, and in other board capacities. She has been a Make-A-Wish volunteer for over 30 years. In addition, she served on the board of Newborns in Need, a Huntington based charity which provided essentials to neonatals.
Although Catherine and Russ moved to Naples, Florida in 2013, they remain active Splash volunteers and have spearheaded the growth of Splashes of Hope in Florida, both sponsoring and painting on local projects.
Patrice L. Frank
Patrice has been a development professional for more than 30 years. At Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts since 2001, Ms. Frank created a comprehensive fundraising program which led to the initiation of an annual membership campaign, a new Leadership Council, increased corporate and foundation support and two unique special events: Usdan University, an arts camping experience for adults only, and in 2004 a first time Gala Dinner and Student Concert under the stars. She was also responsible for the Center's 35th Anniversary Gala at Carnegie Hall celebrated in 2003.
Previously she was a Senior Development Executive with UJA-Federation of New York for 12 years. Her position was capital fundraising; working with over 30 network agencies, including major hospitals and nursing homes, human service agencies, community centers and camps. Responsibilities included prospect identification, research, cultivation, proposal development, solicitations and donor stewardship. Prior to that position Patrice was Director of Development at Skills Unlimited, Inc. a vocational rehabilitation and training center.
Patrice was President of the Long Island chapter of AFP in 2009 and 2010 and was chair of 2003 Philanthropy Day attracting more than 700 professional fundraisers, board members, volunteers, philanthropists and corporate supporters. She has taught various fundraising courses for AFPLI’s continuing education program at Long Island University and has been a presenter at Fund Raising Day in New York. A frequent mentor to new development professionals and is an active member of ABA, American Business Associates. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and a NYS teaching certificate from Hofstra University and is a resident of Port Washington.
Previously she was a Senior Development Executive with UJA-Federation of New York for 12 years. Her position was capital fundraising; working with over 30 network agencies, including major hospitals and nursing homes, human service agencies, community centers and camps. Responsibilities included prospect identification, research, cultivation, proposal development, solicitations and donor stewardship. Prior to that position Patrice was Director of Development at Skills Unlimited, Inc. a vocational rehabilitation and training center.
Patrice was President of the Long Island chapter of AFP in 2009 and 2010 and was chair of 2003 Philanthropy Day attracting more than 700 professional fundraisers, board members, volunteers, philanthropists and corporate supporters. She has taught various fundraising courses for AFPLI’s continuing education program at Long Island University and has been a presenter at Fund Raising Day in New York. A frequent mentor to new development professionals and is an active member of ABA, American Business Associates. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and a NYS teaching certificate from Hofstra University and is a resident of Port Washington.
Christine Gagnon
Christine Gagnon is an Audit Director with nearly 15 years of public accounting experience. She provides services to public and private clients in a variety of industries, including financial services, retail, manufacturing, software and technology. Christine is responsible for all phases of the audit, including the planning, organization, supervision, and review of the fieldwork. She also assists in the training and mentoring of staff and is involved in the recruitment of new employees.
In addition, Christine is a chairperson for EisnerAmper Cares, the firm’s community volunteer organization aimed at serving those in need through donations of employees’ time and skills to charitable, civic and environmental projects and programs - which is how she found Splashes of Hope.
She has a strong appreciation for the work that is done by Splashes and has extra appreciation after having to visit the emergency room with her young child for a quick visit to get stitches. The colorful, kid-friendly artwork on the walls and ceiling tiles provided the much needed distraction that her two year old needed during treatment. Christine resides in Florida with her husband Sean and two children Brielle and Tyler.
Because of her proactive approach to community service and through a personal experience that exposed her to our work, Christine reached out to us during the EisnerAmper, LLP Volunteer Week. From that point forward she has taken an active role with us, participating in fund raising, planning sessions, working on our annual gala and helping us spread the word about our mission throughout the business community.
She also became very hands-on by donating art supplies for events and money and by being involved in all the key areas of the organization. Christine displays leadership qualities that are extremely useful in helping drive our work forward. Since then she has engaged even further, recently organizing an EisnerAmper, LLP team of 12 employees to help us clean up our studios and prime mural boards of Masonite for final art applications which helped our team to more efficiently fulfill our mission.
Despite her already busy personal and business life, we have found Christine to be a very dependable and an active participant in the Splashes mission. Christine has previously served as Board Secretary, Board Treasurer and was the Chairperson for the 20th Anniversary Splashes of Hope Gala.
In addition, Christine is a chairperson for EisnerAmper Cares, the firm’s community volunteer organization aimed at serving those in need through donations of employees’ time and skills to charitable, civic and environmental projects and programs - which is how she found Splashes of Hope.
She has a strong appreciation for the work that is done by Splashes and has extra appreciation after having to visit the emergency room with her young child for a quick visit to get stitches. The colorful, kid-friendly artwork on the walls and ceiling tiles provided the much needed distraction that her two year old needed during treatment. Christine resides in Florida with her husband Sean and two children Brielle and Tyler.
Because of her proactive approach to community service and through a personal experience that exposed her to our work, Christine reached out to us during the EisnerAmper, LLP Volunteer Week. From that point forward she has taken an active role with us, participating in fund raising, planning sessions, working on our annual gala and helping us spread the word about our mission throughout the business community.
She also became very hands-on by donating art supplies for events and money and by being involved in all the key areas of the organization. Christine displays leadership qualities that are extremely useful in helping drive our work forward. Since then she has engaged even further, recently organizing an EisnerAmper, LLP team of 12 employees to help us clean up our studios and prime mural boards of Masonite for final art applications which helped our team to more efficiently fulfill our mission.
Despite her already busy personal and business life, we have found Christine to be a very dependable and an active participant in the Splashes mission. Christine has previously served as Board Secretary, Board Treasurer and was the Chairperson for the 20th Anniversary Splashes of Hope Gala.
Cathy jusino
Cathy Jusino is a Realtor with Signature Premier Properties. She is very active in the Long Island market. She is also the owner and operator of Red Top Properties, a real estate investment and rehabilitation company. Cathy's previous work experience includes 18 years in banking, where she has developed a network of wonderful people that indirectly influence her passion and expertise in Real Estate. Throughout her career, she has always been known for her client focus, market insight, skilled negotiating and expertise in the buying and selling of homes and investment properties. Cathy works hard to achieve a family/work life balance. While making family, and the happiness of children a priority, Cathy is also the Campus Director of Camps R Us in St. James where she lives by the motto "work hard, play harder". Cathy earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from St John's University and went on to complete her MBA with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.
Cathy's first involvement with Splashes of Hope was during her time at Astoria Bank. After their first meeting, it was evident that Splashes of Hope was making such an incredible impact in the lives of so many people. She wanted to stay involved and has become increasingly passionate and dedicated to the mission. She has served on the Advisory Board and is a former Co-Treasurer.
When she is not working, you can find her enjoying time with her husband and twin daughters. They are usually enjoying the outdoors or traveling. As an active member of her local school district, she enjoys supporting the PTA in fundraising and organizing events for the local school.
Cathy's first involvement with Splashes of Hope was during her time at Astoria Bank. After their first meeting, it was evident that Splashes of Hope was making such an incredible impact in the lives of so many people. She wanted to stay involved and has become increasingly passionate and dedicated to the mission. She has served on the Advisory Board and is a former Co-Treasurer.
When she is not working, you can find her enjoying time with her husband and twin daughters. They are usually enjoying the outdoors or traveling. As an active member of her local school district, she enjoys supporting the PTA in fundraising and organizing events for the local school.
Bob Bigler
Bob Bigler, a CPA, joined the Splashes of Hope Board of Directors in 2015. He is the retired Chief Financial Officer of Estee Lauder Cosmetics, an eleven-billion-dollar multi-national corporation. He also currently serves on the Board and is Treasurer of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, based in New York City. In Addition, Mr. Bigler serves on the Boards of Pal-O-Mine and the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Previously, he spent 6 years on the National Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation as its Treasurer, and 2 years as Board Chair.
Chris Wright
Chris Wright is the head of the New York office of Protiviti Consulting and is the Regional Managing Director for the firm’s Eastern United States operations. He is also the firm-wide Managing Director of the Finance Remediation and Reporting Compliance group, which serves clients by assisting them in solving accounting and financial reporting issues and challenges. He has nearly twenty-five years of experience serving a variety of clients, including six years as a partner at two global accounting firms (Arthur Andersen and KPMG).
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting from Franciscan University.
In addition to serving on the Advisory Board of Splashes of Hope, Chris volunteers as the chair of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, as a member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, and as a member of the board of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA).
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting from Franciscan University.
In addition to serving on the Advisory Board of Splashes of Hope, Chris volunteers as the chair of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, as a member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, and as a member of the board of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA).
Advisory Committee Members
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Alfred La Rosa
Ronnie Schauder Frank Trifaro Christopher Wright Vivian Youngblood |
Robert Bigler
Catherine & Russ Brown Patrice Frank Christine Gagnon Cathy Jusino |